Glasgow, Scotland — On October 21st, 2023, the crowd erupted inside the arena as the Giants Live World Tour Finals kicked off. Then, twelve of the world’s strongest athletes stepped forward. However, all eyes focused on the Stoltman brothers, especially hometown hero Tom Stoltman.
From the beginning, Tom looked locked in. Next, he stormed through three of the five events with outright wins. Meanwhile, he stayed in the top five for the remaining two. Clearly, his presence, poise, and power signaled a man on a mission.
Eventually, the points confirmed it — Tom scored 54.5 out of a possible 60. As a result, he stood atop the podium with a commanding victory. In addition, his win proved what months of quiet, consistent preparation can produce under pressure.
By the end, the cheers hadn’t faded. Instead, the crowd stood in awe of a Scottish icon who delivered when it mattered. Without question, Tom didn’t just win a title — he wrote his name into strongman history.
2023 Giants Live World Tour Finals Official Results
- Tom Stoltman — 54.5 points
- Mathew Ragg — 51.5 points
- Mitchell Hooper — 46 points
- Pavlo Kordiyaka — 42.5 points
- Luke Stoltman — 40.5 points
- Gavin Bilton — 34 points
- Ondřej Fojtů — 27.5 points
- Tyler Cotton — 22 points
- Pa O’Dwyer — 22 points
- Eddie Williams — 21 points
- Conor Curran — 16.5 points
- Evans Aryee — 6 points (Withdrew after second event)
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Event 1: Max Log Lift
As the lights beamed down on the stage, the first event of the 2023 Giants Live World Tour Finals kicked off. The Max Log Lift, a strongman staple, tests brute shoulder power. Athletes increase the weight with each round, pushing toward their absolute limit.
Right from the start, Tom Stoltman made his intentions clear. Known for his overhead pressing, he raised the bar once again. He became the only competitor to lift 210 kilograms (463 pounds), sealing maximum points and earning a 2.5-point lead over the field.
Meanwhile, four athletes tied at the 200-kilogram (440.9-pound) mark. 🇨🇦 Mitchell Hooper, 🇺🇦 Pavlo Kordiyaka, 🇬🇧 Luke Stoltman, and 🇺🇸 Spenser Remick Cotton all pressed the same weight. However, none managed to push beyond that, splitting 9.5 points each.
To close the event, 🇧🇫 Cheick “Iron Biby” Sanou delivered a historic moment. Though not in the main contest, he pressed a world-record 230 kilograms (507.1 pounds). The lift brought the crowd to its feet and added even more fire to an already explosive night.
- Tom Stoltman — 210 kilograms
- Mitchell Hooper — 200 kilograms
- Pavlo Kordiyaka — 200 kilograms
- Luke Stoltman — 200 kilograms
- Tyler Cotton — 200 kilograms
- Mathew Ragg — 186 kilograms
- Ondřej Fojtů — 186 kilograms
- Gavin Bilton — 170 kilograms
- Eddie Williams — 170 kilograms
- Evans Aryee — 170 kilograms
- Pa O’Dwyer — No Lift
- Conor Curran — No Lift
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Event 2: Sandbag Steeplechase
As the athletes lined up, the energy in the arena surged. The Sandbag Steeplechase was underway—an event known for blending brute force with agility. This newer challenge has quickly become a fan favorite in recent Giants Live shows.
In the event, each strongman had to hoist two 150-kilogram (330.7-pound) sandbags over a high pole. Then, they had to circle around, retrieve them, and load the bags onto a platform. Every second counted, and the race favored not just power, but pacing and coordination.
Tom Stoltman, already riding the momentum from his earlier win, powered through the course. Despite his massive frame, he moved quickly and decisively. He finished the race in just 29.92 seconds, earning his second victory of the day and padding his points lead.
Right behind him, 🇺🇦 Pavlo Kordiyaka clocked in at just over 30 seconds. 🇳🇿 Mathew Ragg followed with 31.41 seconds, looking smooth and confident. The event proved once again that strongmen today need more than just size—they need speed, control, and flawless execution.
- Tom Stoltman — 29.92 s
- Pavlo Kordiyaka — 30.48 s
- Mathew Ragg — 31.41 s
- Luke Stoltman — 33.62 s
- Ondřej Fojtů — 34.44 s
- Mitchell Hooper — 34.63 s
- Conor Curran — 35.30 s
- Gavin Bilton — 36.81 s
- Pa O’Dwyer — 36.84 s
- Tyler Cotton — 37.76 s
- Evans Aryee — 38.22 s
- Eddie Williams — 42.16 s
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Event 3: Deadlift
As the third event began, the crowd buzzed with anticipation. The classic deadlift was up next, but this wasn’t just any deadlift. This time, the competitors faced a twist: a thick-handled axle bar loaded with 350 kilograms (771.6 pounds).
Unlike standard bars, the axle bar’s wider diameter makes gripping far more difficult. In turn, athletes must rely not only on brute strength but on precision and technique. The lift, already daunting, became a true test of total-body control.
Leading the charge, Mathew Ragg of 🇳🇿 New Zealand delivered a stunning performance. He powered through an incredible eight reps, securing a commanding win in the event. So far, he had emerged as one of the strongest threats in the competition.
Meanwhile, a tight duel played out just behind him. 🇨🇦 Mitchell Hooper and 🇬🇧 Tom Stoltman matched each other with seven reps apiece. The axle deadlift reminded everyone why strongman events are both physically punishing and mentally demanding.
- Mathew Ragg — 8 reps
- Tom Stoltman — 7 reps
- Mitchell Hooper — 7 reps
- Gavin Bilton — 5 reps
- Pavlo Kordiyaka — 4 reps
- Luke Stoltman — 4 reps
- Ondřej Fojtů — 4 reps
- Pa O’Dwyer — 4 reps
- Eddie Williams — 4 reps
- Tyler Cotton — 3 reps
- Conor Curran — 3 reps
- Evans Aryee — Withdrew
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Event 4: Conan’s Wheel
Strongman competitions are known for brute strength, but the Conan’s Wheel at the 2023 Giants Live World Tour Finals proved that endurance and pain tolerance are just as vital. Then, as the fourth event began, it became clear that only sheer willpower would carry the athletes forward.
At first glance, Conan’s Wheel may seem simple. However, the challenge is brutal. Athletes must carry a weighted beam in front of them and walk in circles until their grip or lungs give out. Essentially, it’s a test of who can withstand agony the longest.
Leading the charge, Mathew Ragg stunned the field. He turned the beam an astonishing 845 degrees — more than two full revolutions. Meanwhile, Mitchell Hooper came heartbreakingly close, managing 841 degrees, just four short of Ragg. Their near-tie brought tension and drama to the event.
Further down the rankings, Pavlo Kordiyaka delivered 820 degrees. His effort was strong, but not quite enough to catch the top two. Still, his performance secured him third place. Ultimately, the Conan’s Wheel reminded everyone that strongman isn’t just about lifting — it’s about surviving.
- Mathew Ragg — 845 °
- Mitchell Hooper — 841 °
- Pavlo Kordiyaka — 820 °
- Pa O’Dwyer — 756 °
- Tom Stoltman — 618 °
- Gavin Bilton — 608 °
- Luke Stoltman — 562 °
- Ondřej Fojtů — 553 °
- Conor Curran — 506 °
- Eddie Williams — 471 °
- Tyler Cotton — 425 °
Event 5: Castle Stones
As the final event of the 2023 Giants Live World Tour Finals, the Castle Stones brought tradition and tension to the stage. Then, five massive round stones awaited the athletes. Each one had to be hoisted onto raised platforms — with the heaviest tipping in at 200 kilograms (440.9 pounds).
Next, speed and strength collided in a race against the clock. The stones ranged from 120 to 200 kilograms (264.6 to 440.9 pounds). Moreover, only the fastest man to load all five would take the win.
Naturally, Tom Stoltman entered as the favorite. He had won the Castle Stones event six times before. Still, he stunned the crowd with a 19.23-second blitz — one of the fastest runs ever. In contrast, Mathew Ragg followed close behind, finishing ten seconds later to take second place.
Finally, Luke Stoltman sealed third place with a 37.56-second effort. Just behind him was Gavin Bilton. Together, the field delivered a dramatic ending to a fierce contest. Above all, the Castle Stones once again proved why they remain the soul of strongman sport.
- Tom Stoltman — 5 in 19.23 s
- Mathew Ragg — 5 in 28.81 s
- Luke Stoltman — 5 in 37.56 s
- Gavin Bilton — 5 stones in 41.64 s
- Mitchell Hooper — 4 in 19.32 s
- Eddie Williams — 4 stones in 23.71 s
- Pavlo Kordiyaka — 4 in 25.94 s
- Tyler Cotton — 4 stones in 29.13 s
- Pa O’Dwyer — 4 stones in 50.11 s
- Ondřej Fojtů — 3 stones in 42.16 s
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Tom Stoltman: From World Champion to Reigniting International Dominance
It’s been a roller-coaster journey for Scotland’s strongman sensation, Tom Stoltman. The echoes of his triumphant roar from his 2022 World’s Strongest Man victory still resonate, yet a full year had passed without him clinching another international title. But champions, as they say, wait for their moments.
A Year of Patience and Perseverance
The year-long wait for an international title is not indicative of a drop in performance or commitment. In fact, for athletes like Tom, such periods often serve as the crucible in which their determination and resolve are tested. With three international titles from 25 appearances, Tom’s record might suggest sporadic victories. But numbers often don’t narrate the full story. Every competition, irrespective of the final standing, is a treasure trove of experiences, learnings, and adjustments.
Beyond the World Stage
While the World’s Strongest Man competition is undoubtedly the pinnacle of strongman contests, focusing solely on such flagship events might obscure an athlete’s broader ambitions. Tom’s strategy seems to be evolving. He isn’t just setting his sights on the world stage but is keen to leave an indelible mark in various other competitions, both national and international.
With two national wins in nine appearances, Tom has demonstrated his prowess closer to home. These victories, coupled with his international appearances, indicate a more rounded athlete eager to showcase his might across diverse platforms.
A Promising Horizon
What does the future hold for Tom Stoltman? Given his recent shift in focus, it’s clear that he’s gunning for more than just the major titles. He’s on a quest to establish a legacy, to be remembered not just as a world champion but as a consistent force in the strongman realm.
As fans and followers of the sport, we can expect to witness more of Tom’s sheer power, indomitable spirit, and captivating performances. The stage is set, and Tom Stoltman is more than ready to rise, conquer, and repeat.
Overview
At the 2023 Giants Live World Tour Finals in Glasgow, Scotland, Tom Stoltman delivered a commanding performance, winning three out of five events. Competing against 12 strongmen, Tom stood out, particularly with his home crowd’s overwhelming support. Ending with an impressive 54.5 points out of 60, Tom reaffirmed his prowess in the strongman arena. While he showcased sheer dominance in specific events, the competition also spotlighted rising talents like Mathew Ragg. However, the day belonged to Tom, who not only clinched the title but also revived his international dominance, signaling a promising future in the sport.
Featured Image – 2023 Giants Live World Tour Finals Official Results: Victory for Tom Stoltman – Credit: @giantslivestrongman (Instagram)
